Apple WWDC 2017: 12 big announcements

Apple unleashed a slew of new products, software, and updates at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference, or WWDC, on Monday.
Chief among them: A Siri-enabled speaker called HomePod, a brand new product category for Apple. Apple also showed off new features for its iOS mobile software and lots of other fun stuff. Some of the products will be available immediately, others will come later this year.

Here’s everything Apple unveiled at WWDC 2017:

ARKit is Apple’s first push into augmented reality

Apple’s new ARKit software can display virtual objects in the real world. The software will let apps place items into a physical space by using your phone’s camera, with the goal being to make the iPhone “the largest AR platform in the world.”

The $5,000 iMac Pro is the “most powerful Mac” Apple has ever made

Apple teased the next iteration of its professional-grade desktop computer, the iMac Pro. When it goes on sale in December, the iMac Pro will begin at $4,999 and comes in a new black finish.

iOS 11 has a refreshed Control Center, improved iMessage, and better Apple Maps

Apple’s new operating system for phones and tablets, iOS 11, is getting some much-sought-after updates, including a new and improved control center, a more helpful Siri, a redesigned App Store, and a new Files app for managing your documents. The new system also aims to cut down on distracted driving with a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode, which can detect when you’re driving and shut off your notifications. The new operating system will be available this Fall.

High Sierra is the next version of the operating system for Apple computers

Under Apple’s new Mac operating system, Safari is getting a big update to stop videos from auto-playing and ads from tracking you across the web. The photos app will also be improved, the filing system is getting an overhaul, the system will be compatible with VR headsets, and more.

Amazon Prime Video is coming to Apple TV

You’ll soon be able to watch Amazon’s shows and movies on your Apple TV, resolving a gripe that users have had with Apple TV for years. The feature will arrive later this year.

You’ll soon be able send and receive money from your friends within Apple Pay

Much like money transfer app Venmo, Apple Pay can now support peer-to-peer payments. The feature will be integrated directly into iMessage, so users can send money directly within a conversation with a friend. Once transferred, the money will go into an Apple Pay cash card. You’ll then be able to send that card to friends or family, or transfer it directly to your bank.

The newest version of Apple’s Watch software, WatchOS 4, will offer three new watch faces, more workouts in the Fitness app, an improved flashlight, and the ability to pair it with your gym equipment. But the biggest update to the watch is the Siri integration that is now available on the watch face. Using machine learning, Apple says the watch can now check your routines and the apps you use the most, automatically displaying the on the watch face at the most appropriate times.

iMac now has more memory, more ports, and better displays

Apple’s iMac desktop computer got some improvements to position it as a computer for virtual reality content creation. The new iMac has higher memory capacity, up to an 80% boost in its graphics, more ports for hooking up accessories and other external devices, and more.

MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook are all getting a few updates

Apple made updates to its 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops, including adding Intel’s latest 7th-generation Core processors, known as Kaby Lake, and adding faster graphics on the 15-inch model. The MacBook Air got its first update in more than 800 days at this year’s WWDC, but it’s a small one: the Air will now start with a 1.8 GHz processor rather than a 1.6 GHz processor. Apple’s 12-inch MacBook is getting a tweak in its specs and an upgraded keyboard.

New Mac-like capabilities for the iPad

The new iPad Pro will also blur the line between tablet and laptop further once Apple releases the next version of its iOS software in a few months. The update will bring Mac-like features to the iPad, including a new dock, the ability to drag and drop files between apps and a full-sized on-screen keyboard.

The iPad Pro is available in a new size

Apple launched a new size for its iPad — 10.5-inches. The new model will start at $649 for 64GB of storage and cost up to $949 for 512GB.
The new iPad will also include updated features and specs like a better display, smoother scrolling, a faster chip, the ability to multitask between apps, and the same camera that’s in the iPhone 7. The new model will begin shipping on Monday.

HomePod marries Siri with a home speaker

HomePod is a seven-inch-tall speaker that has Apple’s digital assistant built in. This is Apple’s long-awaited competitor to Amazon’s popular Echo speark. The HomePod lets use your voice to play music and control HomeKit devices like smart light bulbs or thermostats, as well as letting you chat with Siri.
HomePod costs $349 to start and will be available later this year.

Nitesh Naveen is a tech evangelist and founder of 1.21GWS. Nitesh devotes lot of time in research on emerging technologies and processes across industries. He loves traveling, reading and meeting thought leaders. He is passionate about bringing the latest knowhow to this forum's readers. You can write to him at nitesh@1point21gws.info